WARNING SIGNS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

We all have ups and downs. But the steep climbs (mania) and sudden plunges (depression) of bipolar disorder can lead to life-threatening situations. Once diagnosed, bipolar disorder is often treatable with medications and psychotherapy. Warning signs of bipolar disorder are often confused with major depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, drug-induced highs or just plain moodiness. Nearly 6 million Americans live with bipolar disorder. Are you one of them? Learn how to recognize symptoms and where to get help.

6 WARNING SIGNS OF MANIA:

1. UNUSUALLY UPBEAT, OUTGOING OR IRRITABLE MOOD. During a manic phase, some people feel euphoric, others talk nonstop and some develop a hair-trigger temper. The key is a radical departure from the norm.

2. RACING THOUGHTS AND SPEED-TALKING. Besides speaking quickly and jumping between ideas, a person in this phase may also be easily distracted.

3. BOUNDLESS ENERGY. The extremely energetic behaviou common in the manic phase often leads to rushing around and taking on new projects, however ill-advised.

4. IMPULSIVE AND SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR. Spending sprees, flagrant affairs or risky investments can all signal bipolar disorder if they're out of character and part of a larger pattern of symptoms.

5. DECREASED NEED FOR SLEEP. Sleeping only a few hours a night could be sign of bipolar disorder - as well as depression or anxiety.

6. INFLATED SENSE OF SELF-WORTH. An exaggerated sense of your power, knowledge or importance is common in this stage, such as believing you have a special relationship with God.

4 WARNING SIGNS OF DEPRESSION:

1. SAD, EMPTY OR HOPELESS MOOD. Many people with bipolar disorder spend most of the time depressed. This relentless dark mood prevents them from taking interest or pleasure in their lives.

2. LOW ENERGY AND CONSTANT FATIGUE. In contrast to supercharged energy during mania, this phase leaves a person feeling drained of energy and motivation. The smallest task can seem impossible.

3. DECREASED ABILITY TO THINK CLEARLY. The same mind that races from idea to idea when manic may feel paralyzed during depression, making it hard for the sufferer to remember things and make decisions.

4. SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIOR. Depression often leads to dwelling on past mistakes, including blunders made while manic. When it gets really hard, you may feel cornered, as if all possible ways of escaping a situation are closed.

If you recognize several warning signs of bipolar disorder in yourself or a loved one, seek help. Contact a psychiatrist or other mental health professional, or get a referral from your primary-care physician.

source: www.lifescript.com